A FLASHER attempted to sexually assault a teenage girl in Openshaw on Wednesday evening.

The 17-year-old victim was walking along a path off Varna Street, known locally as the "Yellow Brick Road", at about 5.30pm when the attack happened.

Hearing footsteps behind her she turned round and saw a man following her. He drew alongside her, and exposed himself, then stepped in front of her, blocking her path, and demanded her to perform a sexual act on him.

When she refused and tried to push past him, the man grabbed her arms and started pushing on her head.

After struggling with the man for some minutes, the victim managed to break free and hit the offender in the face.

His glasses fell off and he released her. She ran away.

Detectives are now urging members of the public to be vigilant when walking alone in the area, particularly after dark.

Detective Sergeant Trevor Eaton from Grey Mare Lane CID said: "The victim was just minding her own business when this disgusting man attacked her.

"Although incidents like this are rare we do want people, especially women, to be wary of this man, and to avoid taking shortcuts or walking alone at night if possible, especially at this time of year when darkness sets in really early.

"The victim walked past another woman in the park just before this happened. It is possible that she too might have seen this man. We would urge her to get in touch if she knows anything about this incident."

The offender is described as white, aged 19-20, quite thin and 5ft 7in tall. He was clean-shaven and wearing glasses that were round with a thin, light coloured frame. He was wearing a black "tea cosy" style hat, a black jumper with white stripes across the middle, black tracksuit bottoms and black trainers. He spoke with a local accent.

It is believed that he followed the 17-year-old from a nearby park and along Varna Street before attacking her.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 3540 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.